Massachusetts Workers Compensation Lawyers Blog
The restaurant industry is second only to construction in terms of creating summer jobs. As Restaurant News reports, an improving economy means that there will be many more workers hired in eating and drinking places this summer. Nationwide, 2014 is expected to be the second summer on record where at least half-a-million restaurant jobs will be added. 
Restaurant jobs can be a great source of income for teens and college students who are off from school. The busy summer season can also present an opportunity for people who have been looking for work to get their foot in the door of the restaurant industry. Unfortunately, this field has some risks for workers and it is essential that the millions who get restaurant jobs follow safety tips to avoid getting hurt at work. Our work injury lawyers have some tips to help workers stay safe and get through to the fall with the minimum risk of injury or death-on-the-job.
Restaurant Work Heating Up this Summer
Massachusetts is expected to be one of the top states for restaurant jobs in 2013. An estimated 30,400 jobs are likely to be added in the food service industry, with only California and New York expected to add more restaurant workers. Seasonal hiring tends to begin in April, but will peak in June, July and August. Eating and drinking places account for around ¾ of the total restaurant and food service workforce, which means lots of workers are expected to get jobs in bars, grills, fast food restaurants, casual eateries and fine dining establishments.
For workers who get jobs within the restaurant industry, it is important to follow good safety practices. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published a “Menu for Protecting the Health and Safety of Restaurant Workers.”
OSHA explains that sprains and strains make up around 1/3 of all restaurant injuries, while other common causes of harm include cuts, bruises and burns. Three steps are identified for reducing the risk of these injuries including:
- Removing or isolating the hazardous conditions that could harm employees. For example, grease pans could be installed that dump automatically to be cleaned so workers would not have to dump hot grease.
- Improving work practices so employees are safer. For example, workers could be trained on the importance of removing ice crystals from frozen food products before the foods are put into the deep fryer in order to make sure they do not splatter.
- Using protective clothing and equipment. Grease and heat-resistant equipment including sleevelets, gloves and long aprons should be provided and worn by workers to reduce the dangers of burns.
OSHA also urges workers to participate in health and safety training; to report hazards and injuries to their employer immediately; to suggest solutions to hazards that are present in their workplace; and to know their rights including the right to a safe workplace and the right to make a workers’ compensation claim when an on-the-job injury or illness occurs.
If you are injured on the job in Massachusetts, call Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your workers’ compensation claim– (617) 777-7777.
More Blog Entries:
Workplace Safety Compromised by OSHA Budget Cuts, March 30, 2014.